Faith Regional Health Services | living WELL | Spring 2018

EARLIER THIS SUMMER, Faith Regional Health Services opened its newly remodeled Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), now located on the fourth floor of the bed tower on the hospital’s west campus. The new 16,951-square- foot unit includes 18 private rooms as well as common areas for daily living, dining and recreation. A fresh start When the bed tower was originally constructed, only the shell of the fourth floor was completed so that space could be built out to meet the needs of future expansions. “Starting with a blank slate allowed us to design the unit very specifi- cally for behavioral health services,” says Tom Lee, Vice President of Support and Ancillary Services at Faith Regional. “There is a very open feel with easier visual access across the unit. In addition, the large picture windows allow lots of sunlight, creat- ing a very bright and uplifting feel.” One of the biggest reasons for the relocation was to create a more streamlined admission process for our patients. Previously, law enforcement would bring individuals who needed to be admitted to the Emergency Department on the west campus. Once evaluated, law enforcement then transported the patient to the east campus, where BHU was previously located. This process took time, was sometimes challenging for the patient, and kept officers from other duties. Relocating BHU to the west campus creates a more seamless transition for patients and staff and minimizes the length of time law enforcement officers need to be involved. All inpatient units on one campus In addition, having all inpatient units now located on one campus creates efficiencies throughout the hospital— from lab services to nutrition services. “This is really exciting for us,” says Lee. “In an era when many states are challenged to maintain adequate access to mental health, Faith Regional is choosing to invest in our behavioral health program. We want to provide the best psychiatric services to benefit the many patients who struggle with mental health across northeast Nebraska.” Investing in mental health care FRHS OPENS NEWLY REMODELED BEHAV IORAL HEALTH UNI T 4 FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES “Mental health doesn’t discriminate. It can affect people from all walks of life—whether it’s farmers, ranchers, clergy, attorneys or those who work in manufacturing.” —Nathan Herman, MD